New Zealand’s Kane Williamson proved why he is currently the top-ranked Test batsman with a brilliant 112 not out to keep his country on course for a handy first-innings lead against Pakistan in the final Test in Christchurch on Monday.

Williamson’s burgeoning 215-run stand with Henry Nicholls, batting on 89, helped the hosts finish Day II on a strong 286/3 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 297.

Earlier, openers Tom Blundell (16) and Tom Latham (33) fell in successive overs while Ross Taylor departed early.

Williamson, who had scored 251 and 129 in his last two Test innings, smashed four fours in a Naseem Shah over to go from 78 to 94 en route to his 24th Test century.

Brief scores: Pakistan 297. New Zealand 286/3 (K. Williamson 112 n.o., H. Nicholls 89 n.o.).

Moeen to self-isolate

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has tested positive for Covid-19 upon arriving in Sri Lanka and will self-isolate for 10 days, as will fast bowler Chris Woakes, who was deemed a possible close contact, England’s cricket board said on Monday.

England are in Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series that begins on January 14, with both matches to be played in Galle